Building construction



July 15, 1958 N. NELSSON BUILDING consmucnon 2 SheetsSheet 1 Filed Dec. 7, 1953 zm mrox ife 7284140744" y 15, 5 N. NELSSON 2,843,230

" BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 7, 1953 2 Sheets-sheaf 2 .22 ll h HIIHI all @ INVENTOR.

i flzvfilflt A. 32 3 m My mw w United States Patent C) BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Nels Nelsson, Chicago, Ill assignor to United States Gypsum Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois.

Application December 7, 1953, Serial No. 396,411 3 Claims. (Cl. 189-35) This invention relates to building construction and more particularly to a clip for use in' securing a flanged member to a transversely extending support.

In a suspended ceiling construction, for example, wherein a flanged ceiling runner is utilized for mounting in place wallboard panels, lath for plastering, or tile, it is most desirable to utilize some anchoring means, such as clips, to secure the runner to the overhead support. Furthermore, it is desirable that the clip be easily applied, that it permit the runner to be slidably adjustable longitudinally of the support, if required, so that the runner will properly engage the edges of the panels, lath or tile supported by the runner, and that the clip will retain the runner in place once it has been properly set, notwithstanding the fact that the runner, clip or support is exposed to excessive vibration or jarring either I duringor after erection. In ceilings of this type the size and shape of the support will vary to a considerable extent, dependent upon the shape and size of the ceiling to be erected. Because of this variance'in the size and shape of the supports, it is further desirable that a clip be provided which is capable of effectively performing its function notwithstanding the variance in size or shape of the support being'used.

Various clips for this purpose have heretofore been proposed which have failed to satisfactorily meet all of the requisites above indicated.

Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a clip of the type described which adequately fulfills the requirements set'forth above.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a clip which is simple and sturdy in construction, effective in operation, and inexpensive to produce.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, a clip is provided foruse in a ceiling construction to secure a flanged runner in surface-contacting relation with respect to the underside of an elongated support, the latter being disposed transverse to the runner. The clip is of bent wire construction and comprises a bowed body section bendable relative to the support to effect substantial straddling thereof, and jaw sections extending angularly in substantially the same relative direction from the opposite ends of said body section. The jaw sections are of substantially U-shaped construction and are adapted to yieldably grip a flange portion of the runner at opposite sides of the support.

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should be made to the drawings wherein:

Figures 1-3 are fragmentary perspective views of a ceiling construction showing the steps to be followed in attaching the improved clip to a runner when suspending the latter from and in contact with the underside of the support;

Fig. 4 is anenlarged -fragmentaryperspective view of 2 the improved clip, a runner, and a support in assembled relation; the improved clip being shown in dotted lines when used in combination with a relatively larger support, the latter also being shown in dotted lines;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of an improved ceiling construction taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 7 and with panels shown resting upon the double flange portion of the runner;

Fig. 6 is similar to Fig. 5 but showing the double flanges of the runner disposed within kerfs formed in the abutting edges of the panels;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary top plan view of the improved ceiling construction; I

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 88 of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 9 is clip alone.

Referring now to'the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 3, an improved ceiling construction is shown comprising an overhead support 10, an elongated runner 11 disposed transversely with respect to the support and mounted in contacting relation with the underside of said support, and the improved clip 12 for retaining the runner 11 in its proper relative position with respect to the support.

he support It), in Figs. l3, is shown to be a bar joist having spaced parallel chords a and 10b which are interconnected with one another by tie bars 10c. It is to be understood, of course, that the improved clip 12, while heretofore disclosed as being used in combination with a bar joist type of construction, is not intended an enlarged perspective view of the improved to be so limited but may readily beadapted for use with other types of supports, one of which is shown in Figs. 4 through 8 as a channel bar 13.

The runner 11, in this instance, is formed of sheet metal material and comprises a w'eb 14 which is adapted to be disposed normal to the underside of the support 10 and positioned within the joint formed between adjacent panels 15 and 16, as seen in Fig. 5 or panels 17 and 18, as seen in Fig. 6. Formed at the: lower edge of web 14 is a double flange 20 having one: section Zita thereof extending at a right angle from one side of web 14- and being of double thickness of material and having the other section 2012 thereof of single thickness extending from the opposite side of the web 14substantially the same amount. To compensate for the thickness differential between the flange sections 20a and 20b, the outer edge 21 of section 20b is 'offset upwardly an amount equal to the thickness of the sheet material so that the panels, lath, or tile resting on or embracing the double flange 2! will be disposed in coplanar relation with respect to one another. In Fig. 5, the abutting edges of the panels 15 and 16 rest on flange sections 20a and 2%, respectively. In Fig. 6, on the other hand, the flange sections are shown disposed within the kerfs or grooves 17a and 18a, respectively, formed in the abutting edges of panels 17 and 18. In this latter arrangement, the double flange 29 is concealed within the panels 17 and 18. Formed at the opposite edge of web 14 is a single flange 22, which is adaptedto contact the underside of the support or lower chord thereof. The flange 22 is provided with a ridge or shoulder 24 which is inclined downwardly from the outer edge 23 of'the flange in a direction toward double flange 20. The function of the ridge 24 description to follow hereinafter.

The improved clip 12, shown in Fig. 9, is constructed preferably of wire material bent to form an elongated resilient body portion 25 which includesjin this instance;

a center section 26 and a pairof' elongated intermediate sections 27 extending divergently from opposite ends of will become apparent from the the center section 26. If desired, however, the center and intermediate sections may be of such configuration as to form an arch. The center section 26, when the clip is in assembled relation with the support or 13, is adapted to rest upon the back or upper side of the support or upper chord thereof, as seen in Figs. 4 and 3, respectively. The intermediate sections, which are relatively long and resilient, are adapted to be bent, as required, to permit the clip to straddle the support. By reason of the relatively long length of the intermediate sections 27, the clip is capable of straddling supports which vary widely in size ,and shape, as seen more clearly in Fig. 4.

Extending angularly from and being integral with the outer or free ends of intermediate sections 27 are substantially U-shaped jaw sections 28. Each jaw section 23 has one jaw 30 thereof integral with the adjacent end of the intermediate section and oflset at substantially a right angle therefrom. Jaw 30 is connected by means of a bight portion 31 to a second or lower jaw 32, the latter being bent back under in spaced relation with jaw 30 but offset or askew with respect thereto so that the two jaws 30 and 32 are, at the most, only in partial overlying relation with respect to one another. The advantages of this offset relation of jaws 30 and 32 will become evident from the discussion to follow hereinafter. law 32 is resilient relative to jaw 30 so that positive gripping of the flange 22 will result, when the clip and runner are in assembled relation. Jaw 32 is kinked intermediate its ends to form an upwardly protruding hump 33 so that when the jaw section 28 is in gripping relation with respect to the flange 22 of runner 11, the hump 33 will engage the runner flange 22 between the Web 14 and the ridge or shoulder 24 formed on the flange. The function of the ridge 24 is to prevent jaw 32 from accidentally becoming disengaged from the runner and therefore it is important that the spacing between the peak of the hump 33 and the cooperating jaw 39 be less than the distance the ridge 24 protrudes from flange 22. As seen in Fig. 9, the end 32 of jaw 32 is flared away from the juncture of jaw 30 and intermediate section 27 to form a mouth or entrance 34 for receiving the edge 23 of the flange 22 when the clip is being assembled with respect to the runner. When the jaw section is brought into gripping relation with the runner flange 22, a crimping-like grip is exerted on the flange 22 by the jaws 30 and 32. By reason of the body portion being offset in substantially the same direction as the jaw sections 28, tilting of the clip, once it is in place with respect to the support, has been eliminated.

While the improved clip is shown used in combination with a particular type of runner, it is to be understood, of course, that the clip may be effectively used with any types of runners or members having a flange portion for contacting a surface of the support disposed thereabove.

When attaching the clip 12 in its proper position with respect to the support and runner, one jaw section of the clip is first moved into gripping relation with respect to the flange 22 disposed to one side of the support, see Fig. 1. This is effected by causing the clip to be angularly disposed so that the center and intermediate sections are positioned approximately 50 to the flange 22, see Fig. 1, whereby the offset edge 23 of the flange may be positioned within the entrance 34 formed between jaws and 32, and then the jaw section 28 pushed toward the flange 22 until the hump 33 of the jaw 32 snaps in behind the ridge 24 and the web 14. The offset relation between the jaws 30 and 32 may be made such as to permit the body portion 25 to assume an angle ranging from 15-75 degrees with respect to the runner 22, when one of the jaw sections is in engagement with the runner flange. By reason of this angle range, supports or support sections varying widely in height may be accommodated by the clip. To permit the hump 33 of jaw 32 to pass over ridge 24 of the runner flange, the

jaw 32 is flexed away a slight amount from jaw 30. Once one of the jaw sections has been brought into gripping relation with respect to the runner flange 22, the erector grasps, with one hand 35, the other end of the clip and causes the body portion 25 of the clip to become deformed or bent so as to straddle the support 10, as seen in Fig. 2. It is to be noted, that by reason of jaws 32 being outwardlyaskewed with respect to jaws 30, it is possible for the clip to pivot, about the engaged jaw section as an axis, from the angularly disposed position shown in l, in a direction clockwise, or toward flange 22 until the center section 26 contacts the back or upper side of the overhead support. If the jaws 32 are not askewed outwardly, binding between the jaw 32 and the flange 22 would occur which might result in the jaw permanently deformed whereby the gripping action of the jaws on the flange will become ineffectual. Because of the resiliency of body portion 25, the clip, when in place, see Fig. 3, will exert an upward force on the flange and effect clamping together of the support and the runner flange 22. Once the clip body has been deformed the proper amount relative to the support, the offset edge 23 of the runner flange 22 disposed on the other side of the support is positioned within the opening 34 formed in the other jaw section 28 of the clip and the latter section is then pushed into gripping relation with the runner flange.

Thus, it will be seen that a clip has been provided which is adapted to positively engage the runner so as to retain the latter in a surface-contacting relation with a support, disposed transverse with respect thereto, even though the runner, support or clip is subjected to excessive vibration or jarring subsequent to, or during, the erection of the ceiling. Furthermore, an improved clip has been provided which is adapted to accommodate runners, as well as supports, which vary widely in size and shape. The improved clip facilitates the erection of a ceiling and at the same time is effective in operation, simple in construction, and inexpensive to produce.

While a particular embodiment of this invention is shown above, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not to be limited thereto, since many modifications may be made, and it is contemplated, therefore, by the appended claims, to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. A clip for use in securing a flanged runner to a side of an elongated support disposed transversely with respect thereto, said clip comprising an elongated resilient body section bendable to effect contacting and straddling of the elongated support, and jaw sections extending angularly from opposite ends of said body section in substantially the same relative direction for yieldably gripping and embracing a flange of the flanged runner at locations spaced from opposite sides of the support; each of said jaw sections including a first jaw having one end thereof integral with the end of said body section and extending angularly therefrom, and a second jaw integral with said first jaw and bent back relative thereto, whereby said first and second jaws are in askewed relation, the spacing between the free ends of the second jaws of said jaw sections being greater than the spacing between the ends of said first jaws integral with the ends of said body section; each second jaw having a portion intermediate the ends thereof offset in a direction substantially toward said first jaw to form a hump whereby frictional gripping engagement of the flange of the flanged runner is effected between the peak of the hump and said-first jaw when said body section is in contacting and straddling relation with the support; the peaks of said humps and the portion of said body section, adapted to contact the support, defining a plane which intersects said first jaws.

2. A clip for use in securing a flanged runner to a side of an elongated support disposed transversely with re- 1 5 spect thereto, said clip comprising an elongated resilient body section bendable to effect contacting and straddling of the elongated support, and jaw sections extending angularly from opposite ends of said body section in substantially the same relative direction for yieldably gripping and embracing a flange of the flanged runner at locations spaced from opposite sides of the support; each of said jaw sections including a first jaw having one end thereof integral with the end of said body section and extending angularly therefrom, and a second jaw integral with said first jaw and bent back relative thereto whereby said first and second jaws are in askewed relation, the free end of said second jaw and the end of said first jaw integral with said body section being in spaced relation and defining the open side of said jaw section through which the flange of the flanged runner is adapted to extend; the spacing between the free ends of the second jaws of said jaw sections being greater than the spacing between the ends of said first jaws integral with the ends of said body section; each second jaw having a portion intermediate the ends thereof offset in a direction sub stantially toward said first jaw to form a hump whereby frictional gripping engagement of the flange of the flanged runner is etfected between the peak of the hump and said first jaw, when said body section is in contacting and straddling relation with the support; the peaks of said humps and the portion of said body section, adapted to contact the support, defining a first plane which is substantially perpendicular to a second plane including the first jaws of said jaw sections.

3. A construction of the class described, comprising an elongated support, an elongated flanged runner disposed transversely with respect to said support, the outer surface of a flange of said runner being in contact with one surface of said support and provided with an elongated shoulder formed intermediate the elongated edges of said flange and projecting away from the support surface in contact with said flange, and a bent wire clip for retaining said support and flanged runner in assembled relation; said clip including an elongated resilient body bent to effect contacting and straddling of said support, and jaw sections extending angularly from opposite ends of said body section and in substantially the relative direction, said jaw sections yieldably gripping and embracing portions of the runner flange spaced from opposite sides of said support; each jaw section including a first jaw having one end thereof integral with an end of said body section and extending angularly therefrom, and a second jaw integral with. said first jaw and bent back relative thereto, whereby said first and second jaws are in askewed relation, the free ends of said second jaws being spaced a greater distance from opposite sides of said support than the ends of said first jaws integral with said body section; each second jaw having a portion intermediate the ends thereof ofiset in a direction substantially toward said first jaw to form a hump whereby the peak of the latter, in combination with said first jaw, frictionally grips said runner flange; the peaks of said humps and the portion of said body section in contact with said support defining a plane which intersects said first jaws.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,252,781 Clark Jan. 8, 1918 1,454,254 Roney May 8, 1923 1,929,302 Boyle Oct. 3, 1933 1,984,028 Macleod Dec. 11, 1934 2,447,694 Finch Aug. 24, 1948 2,648,102 Jacobson Aug. 11, 1953 2,767,440 Nelsson Oct. 23, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 20,262 Great Britain Sept. 8, 1913 499,120 France Jan. 31, 1920 

